South Korea Launches Satellite-Carrying Rocket

SEOUL—South Korea successfully launched Wednesday a two-stage rocket carrying a research satellite, a first for a space program long overshadowed by the launches of neighboring North Korea.

The rocket took off at 4 p.m., roaring into a clear sky from a launch pad near the city of Goheung on the country's south coast. Crowds gathered to watch on rocky hills and small islets near the site, and the launch was broadcast live on national...